Rio Salado College
About Rio Salado College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Rio Salado College teaches most of its students online and at a distance, which it has done since long before that was common, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution among Arizona's Maricopa colleges. Criminal justice, business and social health services are its largest programs.
Founded
1978
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Students
11,668
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
8.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$2,358
Out-of-state: $8,958
Avg Net Price
$8,341
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$41,015
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
8.5% complete their degree within three years
Retention
60%
Transfer Out
16%
Teaching Quality
31:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$1.8K
Class Size
Large
The 8.5% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$2,358
In-State
$8,958
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,104
Total Cost of Attendance
$13,425
After Financial Aid
$8,341
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,800
Receive Grants
6.8%
Take Loans
4%
Tuition is $2,358/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $8,341.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Rio Salado College fund their education.
While in School
6.8%
Get Grants
Free money
4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$21,808
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$9,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$101/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $9,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Rio Salado College.
Gender
61.8%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
11,668
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
47.3%
First-Gen
30 yrs
Avg Age
30.4%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 30, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 47.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
11,668
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Rio Salado Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$41,015
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$52K
428 grads
4yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
—
55 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
38 grads
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
—
30 grads
Physical Sciences, General
—
29 grads
Legal Support Services
—
27 grads
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $41K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rio Salado College
How much does Rio Salado College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Rio Salado College?▾
How much do Rio Salado College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.